A mirror assembly security system

ABSTRACT

A mirror assembly security system for a vehicle includes an exterior mirror assembly and a light module removably positioned within the exterior mirror housing. The light module is moisture impervious and includes an enclosure, a light-emitting opening in the enclosure, a light source in the enclosure radiating light through the light-emitting opening, and a cover for the light-emitting opening adapted to direct the light from the light source to an area adjacent the vehicle to create a security area. The light source may be supported by a pair of electrical contacts provided on the inner surface of the enclosure. The enclosure wall supporting the electrical contacts is preferably flexible, in order to allow the light source to be captured by the contacts. Attachment of the cover adds rigidity to the enclosure to prevent further flexure of the enclosure wall in order to firmly retain the light source. The enclosure is preferably configured so that the same unit can be installed in both left and right handed exterior mirror assemblies even though the light module generates a non-symmetrical light pattern. A reflective surface is provided in the enclosure which cooperates with the cover to produce a generally collimated light pattern.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application is a continuation-in-part of application Ser.No. 08/607,284 filed Feb. 2, 1996, which is continuation of applicationSer. No. 08/426,591 filed Apr. 21, 1995, now U.S. Pat. No. 5,497,306,which is a continuation-in-part of application Ser. No. 08/333,412 filedNov. 2, 1994, now U.S. Pat. No. 5,497,305, which is a continuation ofapplication Ser. No. 08/011,947 filed Dec. 16, 1992, now U.S. Pat. No.5,371,659.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] This invention relates generally to security systems for vehiclesand, more particularly, to remotely actuated, personal safety lightingsystems. The invention is particularly adapted to incorporation in theexterior mirrors of a vehicle.

[0003] Personal security in and around vehicles has become an importantconcern. In particular, an increasing number of assaults and robberiesare committed in parking lots while occupants are entering and exitingvehicles. While remote-operated, keyless entry systems have beenincorporated in vehicles in order to unlock the vehicle and illuminateinterior lights, such systems merely expedite entry to the vehicle anddo not, per se, enhance security around the vehicle. Accordingly, a needexists for a vehicle security system to increase the security forvehicle occupants while entering and exiting the vehicle. Any suchsystem would need to be aesthetically pleasing and not burdensome inuse.

[0004] In order to include a security light system in a vehicle exteriormirror assembly, the security light must be rugged and resistant toenvironmental conditions such as water splash from road surfaces, rainand other precipitation as well as car washes. The assembly desirablymust additionally be of relatively low cost and easy to manufacture inorder to be acceptable to vehicle manufacturers. In addition, thesecurity light desirably must be capable of matching a multiplicity ofmirror housing designs. Moreover, the security light desirably iscompact so as to fit into the interior cavity of conventional exteriormirror housings. For styling and aerodynamic reasons, exterior mirrorhousings are of determined and restricted size, shape, design, andinterior volume. Moreover, the interior volume is already typicallyrelatively cramped as it must accommodate not only the mirror reflectorelement itself and its movement, but also usually a manual or electricactuator that allows adjustment of the rearward field of view of thereflector remotely by the driver from the interior cabin of the vehicle.Also, since it is commercially desirable for a manufacturer of asecurity light to supply to a multitude of exterior mirrormanufacturers, for their incorporation into their own particularexterior mirror assembly construction, it is desirable that the light beof a module type that is compact; that is weatherproofed; that isattachable and receivable by a wide variety of exterior mirror assemblydesigns; that is readily, standardly, and conveniently connectable tothe vehicle electrical service and wiring already commonly found inconventional exterior mirror assemblies; and that is economic both formanufacture by the light module manufacturer and for the manufacturer ofthe complete exterior mirror assembly who will incorporate the lightmodule into a mirror housing.

[0005] Importantly, the security light must be easy to service. Thevehicle repair technician must be provided with easy access to the lightsource in order to replace the light source during the useful life ofthe vehicle. Furthermore, the light source should be replaceable withoutremoving and subsequently replacing numerous fasteners. Such fastenersare not only time-consuming to remove and replace, but are subject togetting lost as well as damaged.

[0006] Additionally, it would be desirable to provide a security lightsystem having a light module designed which could be universallyadaptable to the exterior mirrors on both sides of the vehicle. The taskis complicated because the light pattern illuminating the ground, suchas adjacent the front and rear doors, on one side of the vehicle isgenerally desirably a mirror image of the ground illumination lightpattern on the other side of the vehicle. Both light patterns extendoutwardly from the respective side of the vehicle to a lateral outerboundary, but in opposite directions. However, the use of a light modulethat can produce the desired ground illumination light pattern in therespective driver's side and passenger's side is further complicatedbecause the angle defined by the exterior mirror assembly case housingthat contains the respective light module with respect to the centerline on the vehicle is not necessarily the same for the driver's sidemirror assembly as the passenger side mirror assembly. The mountingangle φ between the casing face of the passenger side outside mirrorassembly and the vehicle center line is often smaller than the mountingangle θ between the casing face of the driver side assembly and thevehicle center line. Typically, θ, which is the drivers side angle, isbetween approximately 70° and 90°. Typically φ, which is the passengerside angle is between 5° and 15° less than the corresponding angle θ onthe same vehicle. Thus, a light module mounted identically into twootherwise identical mirror case housings can irradiate different areason the left and right hand side of the vehicle when these housings aremounted on the vehicle simply because angles θ and φ differ on thevehicle.

[0007] It would also be desirable to provide a light module design whichcould be universally adaptable in many vehicles designed by differentmanufacturers. This task is complicated by the wide range of designs ofexterior mirrors in various vehicles. It is an onerous task to provide alight module which can be incorporated into virtually any exteriormirror design because extra space in such mirrors is often very limited.

[0008] The security light system should be compact and replaceable sothat it can either be serviced or simply replaced. For a disposablelight module, the cost of manufacture must be sufficiently low enough towarrant the light module to be removed and replaced in its entirety.Most or all of the above requirements must be met in order to have acommercially viable vehicle exterior mirror assembly security systemsuitable for use on a vehicle, such as an automobile. Indeed, theApplicants do not know of any successful commercial incorporation of alight module into an exterior mirror assembly on an automobile andbelieve that their inventions are the first commercially successfulapplications of a light module suitable for use in the exterior mirrorassembly on an automobile.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0009] The present invention is intended to provide a personal safetyfeature for a vehicle in the form of a light adapted to projecting lightgenerally downwardly on an area adjacent a portion of the vehicle inorder to create a lighted security zone in the area. Advantageously, thelight, that preferably provides a security function, is provided as amodule that is suitable for use in the exterior mirror housing designsof various vehicles. The light module is capable of low cost, easymanufacture. Furthermore, the module is compact and is substantiallymoisture impervious in order to resist environmental forces.

[0010] The security system is adapted to projecting a pattern of lightfrom the exterior mirror housing on an area adjacent a portion of thevehicle that extends laterally onto the vehicle and downwardly andrearwardly of the vehicle. In this manner, a security zone isestablished in the vicinity of the vehicle doors where occupants enterand exit the vehicle.

[0011] According to an aspect of the invention, a mirror assemblysecurity system includes an exterior mirror assembly having a reflectiveelement and a casing for the reflective element. The casing includesmeans defining a mounting surface and a cooperative member associatedwith the mounting surface. The security system further includes a lightmodule positioned in the mirror assembly for projecting light from themirror assembly on an area in order to create a lighted security zone inthat area. The light module according to this aspect of the inventionincludes an enclosure, a light-transmitting opening in the enclosure, alight source supported in the enclosure for radiating light through thelight-transmitting opening and a cover for the light-transmittingopening. The light module further includes a positioning member matingwith the cooperating member of the mirror assembly in order to orientthe enclosure at a given orientation with respect to the mountingsurface.

[0012] In this manner, the same light module design may be utilized onboth sides of the vehicle not withstanding that the light modulesgenerate light patterns which are different on different sides of thevehicle. The light modules can be oriented in order to orient the lightpattern in a manner which is appropriate for the respective side of thevehicle.

[0013] According to another aspect of the invention, a light module forpositioning in an opening in an exterior mirror assembly of a vehicleincludes a housing, a pair of electrical contacts disposed on an innersurface of a housing wall, a light-transmitting opening in the housingand a cover extending over the light-transmitting opening. A lightsource is supported by the contacts in a manner which radiates lighttowards the light-transmitting opening. The housing wall and portions ofthe contacts on the housing wall are flexible and are adapted to deflectprior to installation of the cover. This permits insertion of the lightsource between the housing walls. The cover adds rigidity to the housingwall when it is installed on the vehicle so that the light source isrigidly supported in the enclosure between the contacts when the coveris installed. This aspect of the invention comprehends the provision ofa light module which will be replaceable in its entirety wherein, onceinserted in the housing, the light source will not be individuallyreplaced. However, the light source is easily inserted in the housingand, when the housing assembly is complete, is securely retained in thesupporting electrical contacts.

[0014] According to another aspect of the invention, a security lightmodule for an exterior mirror assembly for a vehicle includes a housingdefining a compartment. The housing has a unitary body including a sidewall and a light emitting opening in communication with the compartment.The compartment defines a central axis and a light source is providedhaving an elongated radiating surface which is mounted in thecompartment symmetrically with respect to the central axis. A reflectivesurface is provided which at least partially straddles the light source.A cover seals the compartment and is adapted to transmit light from thelight source. The reflective surface and/or the cover individually or incombination direct light from the light source in a direction generallydownwardly and rearwardly of the vehicle and outwardly from therespective sides of the vehicle. In this manner, the light module doesnot need to be oriented in the exterior mirror housing with thecompartment directed in the general direction in which the light patternis directed. This provides a more compact light module which may beoriented in the exterior mirror housing in a manner required in order todirect the light pattern in a desired manner which is contemplated to bedifferent depending upon the side of the vehicle on which the lightmodule is mounted.

[0015] By providing a lighted security zone adjacent the vehicle, userscan observe suspicious activity around the vehicle. The pattern of lightgenerated by a security light according to the invention establishes asecurity zone around, and even under, the vehicle in the important areawhere the users enter and exit the vehicle. The invention, further,conveniently combines a signal light that acts in unison with thevehicle's turn signal, brake light, or both, with the security light, oras a stand-alone accessory, in an exterior mirror assembly. The signallight may be designed to be observed by other vehicles passing theequipped vehicle but not directly by the driver of the equipped vehicle.

[0016] These and other objects, advantages and features of thisinvention will become apparent upon review of the followingspecification in conjunction with the drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0017]FIG. 1 is a perspective view taken from the front of a mirrorassembly (rear of the vehicle) incorporating the invention;

[0018]FIG. 2 is a rear view of the mirror assembly in FIG. 1;

[0019]FIG. 3 is a top view of the mirror assembly in FIG. 1;

[0020]FIG. 4 is the same view as FIG. 1 of an alternative embodiment ofthe invention;

[0021]FIG. 5 is a block diagram of a control system according to theinvention;

[0022]FIG. 6 is a block diagram of an alternative embodiment of acontrol system according to the invention;

[0023]FIG. 7 is a breakaway perspective view of the system in FIG. 1revealing internal components thereof;

[0024]FIG. 8 is a sectional view taken along the lines VIII-VIII in FIG.7;

[0025]FIG. 9 is a sectional view taken along the lines IX-IX in FIG. 7;

[0026]FIG. 10 is a side elevation of a vehicle illustrating the securityzone light pattern generated by a security light according to theinvention;

[0027]FIG. 11 is a top plan view of the vehicle and light pattern inFIG. 10;

[0028]FIG. 12 is a rear elevation of the vehicle and light pattern inFIG. 10;

[0029]FIG. 13 is a side elevation of a vehicle illustrating the lightpattern generated by a signal light useful with the invention;

[0030]FIG. 14 is a top plan view of the vehicle and light pattern inFIG. 13;

[0031]FIG. 15 is a rear elevation of the vehicle and light pattern inFIG. 13;

[0032]FIG. 16 is the same view as FIG. 7 of a first alternative lightsource according to the invention;

[0033]FIG. 17 is the same view as FIG. 7 of a second alternative lightsource;

[0034]FIG. 18 is the same view as FIG. 7 of a third alternative lightsource;

[0035]FIG. 19 is the same view as FIG. 7 of a fourth alternative lightsource;

[0036]FIG. 20 is the same view as FIG. 7 of the invention embodied in analternative mirror structure;

[0037]FIG. 21 is an exploded perspective view taken from the front of amirror assembly (rear of the vehicle), according to another aspect ofthe invention;

[0038]FIG. 22 is an exploded perspective view illustrating details ofthe light module;

[0039]FIG. 23 is a sectional view taken along the lines XXIII-XXIII inFIG. 22;

[0040]FIG. 24 is a front elevation of the mirror assembly in FIGS. 21and 22 illustrating the manner in which a light module is removablymounted to an exterior rearview mirror housing;

[0041]FIG. 25 is the same view as FIG. 23 of an alternative embodiment;

[0042]FIG. 26 is an exploded perspective view taken from the front of amirror assembly of another alternative embodiment of the invention;

[0043]FIG. 27 is a sectional view taken along the lines XXVII-XXVII inFIG. 26;

[0044]FIG. 28 is a sectional view taken along the lines XXVIII-XXVIII inFIG. 26;

[0045]FIG. 29 is the same perspective view as FIG. 22 of anotheralternative embodiment;

[0046]FIG. 30 is a front elevation of the mirror assembly in FIG. 29illustrating the light module mounted to the support bracket;

[0047]FIG. 31 is a sectional view taken along the lines XXXIII-XXXIII inFIG. 30;

[0048]FIG. 32 is a perspective view of another preferred embodiment ofthe light module mounted to a surface of an exterior mirror assembly;

[0049]FIG. 33 is a front elevation of the light module of FIG. 32;

[0050]FIG. 34 is an exploded perspective view of the light module ofFIG. 32;

[0051]FIG. 35 is a cross-sectional view of the light module taken alongline XXXV of FIG. 32;

[0052]FIG. 36 is a cross-sectional view of the light module taken alongline XXXVI of FIG. 33;

[0053]FIG. 37 is a plan view of a cover of the light module;

[0054]FIG. 38 is a cross sectional view taken along line XXXVIII of FIG.37;

[0055]FIG. 39 is a cross sectional view taken along line XXXIX of FIG.37;

[0056]FIG. 40 is a cross-sectional view of the light module taken alongline XXXX of FIG. 33 showing illustrating side elevational view of thelight pattern produced by the module;

[0057]FIG. 41 is a front elevational view of the reflective member;

[0058]FIG. 42 is a top plan view of the reflective member of FIG. 40;and

[0059]FIG. 43 is a plan view of a vehicle illustrating the orientationof the module in the respective left and right side exterior mirrorassemblies of the vehicle.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

[0060] Referring now specifically to the drawings, and the illustrativeembodiments depicted therein, a vehicle personal security lightingsystem 25 includes an exterior mirror assembly 26 having a conventionalreflectance element 28, a security light 30, preferably white, or clear,and a signal light 32, preferably red or red-orange, incorporated in ahousing, or casing, 34. Casing 34 is connected by a neck 36 to astationary panel or sail 38 adapted for incorporation with the forwardportion of the vehicle side window assembly, and which mounts mirrorassembly 26 to the door of a vehicle 40 (see FIG. 10). Reflectanceelement 28 may be any of several reflectors, such as glass coated on itsfirst or second surface with a suitable reflective layer or layers, suchas those disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,179,471, the disclosure of whichis hereby incorporated by reference herein, or an electro-optic cellincluding a liquid crystal, electrochromic, or electrochemichromicfluid, gel or solid-state compound for varying the reflectivity of themirror in response to electrical voltage applied thereacross asdisclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,151,824, the disclosure of which is herebyincorporated by reference herein.

[0061] With reference to FIGS. 7 and 8, as is conventional, reflectanceelement 28 is mounted to a bracket 43 by a positioning device such as anactuator 42. Casing 34 is mounted to bracket 43. Actuator 42 providesremote positioning of reflectance element 28 on two orthogonal axes.Such actuators are well known in the art and may include ajackscrew-type actuator 42 such as Model No. H16-49-8001 (right-handmirror) and Model No. H16-49-8051 (left-hand mirror) by Matsuyama ofKawagoe City, Japan, as illustrated in FIG. 7, or a planetary-gearactuator 42′ such as Model No. 540 (U.S. Pat. No. 4,281,899) sold byIndustrie Koot BV (IKU) of Montfoort, Netherlands, as illustrated inFIG. 20. As is also conventional, the entire casing 34 includingactuator 42, 42′ is mounted via bracket 43 for breakaway motion withrespect to stationary panel 38 by a breakaway joint assembly 44.Breakaway joint assembly 44 (FIG. 9) includes a stationary member 46attached to vehicle 40, a pivoting member 48 to which bracket 43 andcasing 34 are attached, and a wire-way 50 through which a wire cable 52passes. Wire cable 52 includes individual wires to supply controlsignals to actuator 42, 42′, as well as signals to control the level ofreflectivity, if reflective element 28 is of the variable reflectivitytype noted above, such as an electrochromic mirror. Power may also besupplied through cable 52 for a heater 53 as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No.5,151,824 in order to evaporate ice and dew from reflective element 28.

[0062] With reference to FIG. 5, actuator 42, 42′ receives a first setof reversible voltage signals from a switch 54, in order tobidirectionally pivot in one axis, and a second set of reversiblesignals from a switch 56, in order to bidirectionally pivot in theopposite axis, as is conventional. Switches 54 and 56 are actuated by acommon actuator (not shown) that is linked so that only one of theswitches 54 and 56 may be actuated at a time. In this manner, actuator42, 42′ may utilize one common conductor for both switches 54, 56.

[0063] Each of the security light 30 and signal light 32 includes alight source 60 and reflector 62 behind a lens 64 (FIG. 8). Light source60, reflector 62 and lens 64 are designed for security light 30 toproject a pattern 66 of light, such as white light, through a clear,non-filtering lens, in order to establish a security zone around thevehicle (FIGS. 10-12). Pattern 66 extends rearward from mirror assembly26. Vertically, pattern 66 contacts the ground at 68 in the vicinity ofentry and exit by the vehicle occupants (FIGS. 10 and 12). Laterally,pattern 66 fans out into contact with the side 70 a, 70 b of thevehicle. This contact washes the sides of the vehicle to reflect thelight in order to further illuminate the area in order to establish thesecurity lighting zone (FIGS. 11 and 12). In a preferred embodiment,pattern 66 extends rearwardly from mirror assembly 26 without projectingany portion of the pattern forwardly of the mirror assembly.

[0064] Signal light 32 generates a light pattern 72, which is directedgenerally horizontally rearwardly of vehicle 40 (FIGS. 13-15). Pattern72 is laterally directed substantially away from side 70 a, 70 b ofvehicle 40 so that the driver of vehicle 40 does not directly interceptpattern 72, although a minor intensity (such as 10%) of the pattern isintercepted by the driver in order to provide awareness of the actuatingof the signal light. Pattern 72 fans laterally away from side 70 a, 70 bto an extent that is parallel the face of reflectance element 28, whichis substantially perpendicular to side 70 a, 70 b (FIG. 14). Thus, thedriver of another vehicle (not shown) passing vehicle 40 on the left orright side of vehicle 40 will intercept pattern 72 while the vehicle isbehind and beside vehicle 40. Although, in the illustrated embodiment,lens 64 of signal light 32 is substantially planar, lens 64 of signallight 32 could be made to wrap around the outward side of casing 34 inorder to function as a side marker for the vehicle as is required insome European countries.

[0065] Vehicle mirror assembly security system 25 is actuated by acontrol system 74 (FIG. 5). Control system 74 includes means foractuating security light 30 including a remote transmitting device 76and a stationary receiving device 78. Transmitting device 76 may beremotely carried by the vehicle operator and includes switches 80 and 81in order to actuate the transmitting circuitry to transmit a signal fromantenna 82, which is received by antenna 84 of receiving device 78.Receiving device 78 is mounted in the vehicle, such as in the vehicletrunk compartment, interior cabin, or within or on a mirror assembly,and includes an output 86 in order to operate remote door lock circuit88, as is conventional. For example, an antenna, such as a metallicantenna comprising, for example, 6 to 20 gauge copper wire, and/or anRF, IR, and the like signal receiving circuit, may be incorporated intoone, and preferably both, of the exterior mirror assemblies, or into theinterior mirror assembly, or into vehicle glazing, trim items such assunvisors and overhead consoles, and their like. Such an antenna can beauxiliary mounted, integrally mounted, or insert molded into or onto,for example, the exterior mirror bracket, sail, housing, bezel, orvisor, or could be part of the light module. Such receiving system canbe of the automatic, proximity detection type that automatically sensesproximity and approach of the vehicle owner by its automatic detectionof the transducer carried by the vehicle owner, without that vehicleowner having necessarily to operate neither a button on a hand-heldunit. Also, the receiver may be part of, or itself be, a proximitydetection system that activates and illuminates the light module of thisinvention whenever the vehicle is approached under conditions wherevehicle security is being detected and protected.

[0066] Output 86 is, additionally, provided as an input 90 of a lockoutcircuit 92, whose output 94 is supplied to security lamp 30. Input 90may additionally be actuated by a timeout circuit 96, which isconventionally supplied in a vehicle in order to dim the interiorlights, following a slight delay, after the occurrence of an event, suchas the opening and closing of the doors of the vehicle. Signal light 32is actuated on line 98 from either a turn indicator circuit 100 or astop lamp indicator circuit 102, both of which are conventionallysupplied with vehicle 40.

[0067] In operation, when the operator actuates switch 80 oftransmitting device 76, receiving device 78 produces a signal on output86 in order to cause remote door lock circuit 88 to unlock the doors.Alternatively, actuation of switch 81 on remote transmitting device 76causes receiving device 78 to produce a signal on output 86 to causeremote door lock circuit 88 to lock the vehicle doors. The signal onoutput 86 actuates security lamp 30 provided that lockout circuit 92does not inhibit the signal. Lockout circuit 92 responds to operation ofthe vehicle in order to avoid actuation of security lamp 30 when thevehicle is in motion. Such lockout circuits are conventional and may beresponsive to placing of the vehicle transmission in gear or sensing ofthe speed of the vehicle, or the like. The lockout circuit may also beincluded in the vehicle's ignition system, such that the security lightis disabled when the engine is started and the vehicle is operating.Thus, the lamp will be off when the ignition switch is turned to startthe engine. Security lamp 30 is also actuated, in response to interiorlighting device timeout circuit 96, whenever the interior lights of thevehicle are being actuated by timeout circuit 96, provided that lockoutcircuit 92 does not inhibit the signal from security lamp 30. This isprovided in order to allow security lamp 30 to be actuated in responseto the entry to, or exit from, vehicle 40 without the operator utilizingtransmitting device 76 to lock or unlock the doors. Signal lamp 32 isactuated in response to turn indicator circuit 100 whenever the operatormoves the indicator stick in the direction of that particular signallamp 32. Signal lamp 32 may additionally be actuated from stop lampcircuit 102 in response to the driver actuating the vehicle's brakes.

[0068] In the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 5, lens 64 of signallamp 32 is adapted to filter the light provided from lamp 32 so as to bered and is provided for vehicles 40 in which the stop lamps and rearturn indicator lamps are, likewise, red. Because signal lamp 32 shinesred, pattern 72 is restricted from extending forward of the vehicle.This is in order to comply with regulations prohibiting red lights fromcausing confusion with emergency vehicles by shining forward of thevehicle.

[0069] For vehicles having red stoplights and amber turn indicators inthe rear, a vehicle mirror security assembly 25′ includes an exteriormirror assembly 26′ and a control system 74′ (FIGS. 4 and 6). Exteriormirror assembly 26′ includes a security light 30′, preferably white orclear, and a pair of signal lights 32 a′ and 32 b′. Signal light 32 a′is amber and is actuated directly from turn indicator circuit 100′. Thisamber color can be provided either by an amber light bulb or source, ora filtering lens providing an amber color. Signal light 32 b′ is red,red-orange or amber, as desired by the automaker, and is actuateddirectly from stop lamp circuit 102′. Each of the light patternsgenerated by signal lights 32 a′ and 32 b′ substantially correspond withlight pattern 72. The light pattern generated by security light 30′ issubstantially equivalent to pattern 66. With the exception that turnsignal indicator circuit 100′ actuates signal light 32 a′ and stop lampcircuit 102′ actuates signal light 32 b′, control system 74′ operatessubstantially identically with control circuit 74.

[0070] In the illustrated embodiment, light source 60, for both securitylight 30 and signal light 32, may be supplied as a conventionalincandescent or halogen lamp 60 a (FIG. 7). Alternatively, aconventional incandescent fuse lamp 60 b may be used (FIG. 16).Alternatively, a vacuum fluorescent lamp 60 c, which is available invarious colors, may be used (FIG. 17). Alternatively, a light-emittingdiode 60 d may be used (FIG. 18). As yet a further alternative, a fiberoptic bundle 104 forming a light pipe may be positioned to dischargelight behind lens 64. Fiber optic bundle 104 passes through breakawayjoint 44 in wire-way 50 in order to transmit light from a source (notshown) within vehicle 40. By way of example, lens 64 may be supplied asa clear lens, a diffuser lens, a segmented lens, a prismatic lens, or aFresnel lens in order to generate light patterns 66 and 72. Bracket 43and breakaway joint 44 are marketed by Donnelly Corporation, the presentassignee, of Holland, Mich. The remote actuator composed of remotetransmitting device 76 and stationary receiving device 78 may be radiofrequency coupled, as is conventional. Alternatively, they may beinfrared coupled as illustrated in U.S. Pat. No. 4,258,352.

[0071] Although the invention is illustrated in a mirror assemblyutilizing an automatic remote actuator, it may also be applied to manualremote actuators and handset actuators. As previously set forth,reflectance element 28 may be conventional or may be supplied as anelectrochromic self-dimming mirror. Although the invention isillustrated with breakaway joint 44, the invention may also be appliedto mirrors that are rigidly mounted to the vehicle.

[0072] An alternative vehicle personal security lighting system 25′includes a light module 104 that is removably positioned within housing34′ of exterior mirror assembly 26′ (FIG. 21). In addition to theopening for accepting bezel or cowling 106, mirror housing 34′ includesa downward opening 108 for receiving light module 104. Additionally,bezel 106 includes a recess 110 which defines an opening facinggenerally downwardly and rearwardly of the vehicle. Exterior mirrorassembly 26 includes a bracket 43′ for mounting positioning device 42which mounts reflective element 28. Bracket 43′ has two pairs offlexible prongs 112, which are received within sockets 114 defined on anenclosure 116 of light module 104. Prongs 112 releasably engage sockets114 in order to retain the light module within the exterior mirrorassembly in openings 108 and 110. Light module 104 may be disassembledfrom exterior mirror assembly 26′ by reaching behind reflective element28 with a pair of needle-nose pliers, or the like, and sequentiallycompressing each of the pairs of prongs 112 in order to release theprongs from sockets 114. Thus, prongs 112 and sockets 114 provide afastener-less system which retains the light module in the exteriormirror assembly without the use of separate fasteners. A pair ofshoulders 118, which define a slot 120 therebetween, engage a protrusionfrom an inner surface (not shown) of housing 34′ in order to assist instably positioning light module 104 within housing 34′. Alternatively,one or more fasteners, such as screws, clasps, latches, clips, and theirlike could be used. But, preferably, for ease of serviceability and forconsumer acceptability, only one, and at most two, such fastener shouldbe used. A further advantage of a fastener-less system is that itfacilitates supply of a light module of this invention for use in aplurality of exterior mirror assemblies manufactured by a multitude ofexterior mirror manufacturers with minimum modifications to the completemirror assembly housing.

[0073] Unitary enclosure 116 has a generally downwardly directedlight-transmitting opening 122 and an opening 121 for receiving a lightsocket 124. Light socket 124 provides electrical connection to a lightsource 126, which is electrically interconnected to the vehicle througha cable 128. The socket may be self-gasketing, achieved by selection ofa material in its construction, at least at the mating surface, thatachieves a sealing function. Preferably, the socket, either wholly, orpartially at least at its mating surface, is a resilient, somewhatflexible polymer material, preferably with a durometer hardness,measured on the SHORE A scale of less than approximately 95, morepreferably less than approximately 85, and most preferably less thanapproximately 75 but preferably of SHORE A hardness greater than about50, and preferably greater than about 60. Materials appropriate toachieve this, and simultaneously have the physical, mechanical, and hightemperature performance needed, include silicone, urethanes,thermoplastic rubbers, and polyvinyl chloride. Preferably, the materialused for the self-gasketing socket is capable of withstandingtemperatures in use in excess of approximately 200° F. or higher.Alternatively, a rigid construction may be used for the light socket,such as a ceramic, engineering plastic, Bakelite, nylon, polyester,filled polyester, or filled (glass and/or mineral) nylon, if a gasketingmaterial delivering the above properties are used at the point of matingof light socket 124 and enclosure 116. Light socket 124 seals againstenclosure 116 by the provision of a gasket, which, in the illustratedembodiment, is provided by the flexible nature of light socket 124.Alternatively, a separate gasket member formed of material such assilicone, neoprene, thermoplastic rubber, EPDM, polypropylene/EPDM alloyand similar elastomeric materials, preferably having the hardnessproperties listed above, could be inserted between the light socket andthe enclosure. Light-transmitting opening 122 is covered by a covermember 130. Cover member 130 is a lens member, which affects thedistribution of light emitted from light source 126. In the illustratedembodiment, cover member 130 is a clear optic lens that provides asubstantially uniform puddle of light on the illuminated area adjacentthe vehicle's door having a relatively wide light pattern, or floodpattern. Alternatively, cover member 130 could be a diffractive optic, adiffusive optic, a refractive optic, a reflective optic, a holographicoptic, a binary optic, or a sinusoidal optic. In the illustratedembodiment, light source 126 is an incandescent lamp that is a filamentoptic having a minimum five-candle power. Such candle power mountedwithin an exterior mirror assembly of an automobile will preferablyproduce a ground surface illumination intensity of at leastapproximately 5 lux or greater, more preferably at least about 10 lux,and most preferably at least about 20 lux. Light source 126 may range inpower up to 32-candle power or more. The preferred range is betweenapproximately 5-candle power and approximately 15-candle power. It isdesirable to provide as much candle power as possible without creatingexcessive heat within enclosure 116. If a high wattage lamp is used, aventilation system is provided. Ventilation techniques are known in theart which allow the passage of air through the cavity 134 in which thelight source is positioned while providing a substantiallymoisture-impervious barrier.

[0074] Light module 104 additionally includes a reflector 132surrounding light source 126, both positioned in a cavity 134, whichextends to light-transmitting opening 122. The purpose of the reflectoris in order to direct the light from light source 126 into the patternof light illustrated in FIGS. 10-12. Reflector 132 may be a parabolicreflector, as illustrated in FIG. 23, but may additionally include anextended tunnel in order to provide collimation of the light beam. Inthe illustrated embodiment, reflector 132 is aluminum or high efficiencyaluminum vacuum-deposited on a wall 133 defining cavity 134, with anoptional coating of lacquer. Alternatively, wall 133 may be coated witha white paint, such as “Argent” white or a silver paint. Reflector 132may be a separate member, such as stamped metal or an aluminized glassoptic. Alternatively, light source 126 and reflector 132 may be providedas an assembly.

[0075] Light module 104 includes a second cavity 140 defined inenclosure 116 and extending to a second light-transmitting opening 136.A signal light assembly 138 is positioned within cavity 140 to radiatelight rearwardly with respect to the vehicle. Signal light assembly 138includes a pair of electrical contacts 142, which protrude throughgrooves 144 defined in a flange 146 surrounding opening 136. Contacts142 engage a connector 148, which provides electrical connection betweensignal light assembly 138 and the vehicle through cable 128 which, inturn, may piggyback or otherwise connect to existing 12-voltbattery/ignition wiring already supplied in the housing to service anelectrical actuator and/or a defroster heater pad.

[0076] Signal light assembly 138 includes a plurality of light-emittingdiodes 152 positioned on circuit board 150. A variety of emittingsources may be used as light-emitting source 90, including, but notlimited to, very high intensity amber and reddish-orange light-emittingdiode (LED) sources, such as solid-state light-emitting diode (LED)sources utilizing double heterojunction AlGaAs/GaAs material technology,such as very high intensity red LED lamps T-1 ¾ (5 mm) HLMP-4100/4101,available from Hewlett Packard Corporation, Palo Alto, Calif., or whichuse transparent substrate aluminum indium gallium phosphide (AlInGaP)material technology, commercially available from Hewlett PackardCorporation, Palo Alto, Calif. under the designation T-1 ¾ (5 mm)HLMT-DL00, HLMT-CH00, HLMT-CL00, HLMT-CH15, HLMT-CL15 and HLMT-DH00 orhigh power AlInGaP amber and reddish-orange lamps under the designationHLMA-CHOO/-CLOO, HLMA-DGOO/-DHOO/-DLOO, HLMA-EH2O/-EL2O,HLMA-KH00/-KL00, and HLMA-QHOO/-QLOO, or which use InGaA1P materialtechnology available from Toshiba Corporation of Latham, N.Y., such asunder the designation TLRH 180D or GaAlAs/GaAlAs LED sources availablefrom Sharp Corporation Electronics Components Group such as Model No.GL6UR31T and Model No. GL6UR3T which are red LEDs. Light emittancecolors provided by such solid-state sources include orange, yellow,amber, red, and reddish-orange, desirably without need of ancillaryspectral filters. The preferred solid-state light-emitting diodes, at25° C. or thereabouts, operate at a forward voltage of about 2 volts toabout 5 volts; have a luminous intensity (measured at the peak of thespacial radiation pattern which may not be aligned with the mechanicalaxis of the source package) of a minimum, at 20 mA current, of about 500to about 5000 mcd (typical, about 700 to about 7000 mcd); operate at aforward current of about 20 mA to about 50 mA; emit with a dominantwavelength (CIE Chromaticity Diagram) of about 530 nm to about 680 nm;and have a viewing angle 2Θ_(1/2)(where Θ_(1/2) is is the off-axis anglewhere the luminous intensity is one half the peak intensity) of about 5°to about 25°.

[0077] A lens assembly 154, which may be a polycarbonate or acrylicmaterial, is positioned over signal light assembly 138. Lens assembly154 may include a clear or sinusoidal optical surface 156 and aplurality of louvers 158. Louvers 158 and light-emitting diodes 152 areskewed away from the passenger compartment of the vehicle. In theillustrated embodiment, the light-emitting diodes and louvers are skewedat an angle of at least approximately 15°, more preferably approximately20°, and most preferably approximately 25° to 30° from the longitudinalcenterline of the vehicle, but preferably not more than about 45°. Thepurpose of the skewing is in order to allow the light radiated by thesignal light assembly to be visible by drivers in vehicles to the sideof vehicle 40, but to be shielded from the driver of the vehicle 40.This features prevents distraction to the driver of the vehicle equippedwith the security lighting system. A cover member 160 encloses signallight assembly 138 and sinusoidal optical surface 156 by moisture-tightengagement with flange 146 of enclosure 116. In the illustratedembodiment, light-emitting diodes 152 are individually mounted at anangle on circuit board 150. In an alternative embodiment, light-emittingdiodes 152 could be mounted upright, normal to circuit board 150, withthe entire signal light assembly mounted at an angle with respect to thevehicle passenger compartment in order to provide proper skewing awayfrom the driver of the vehicle equipped with the mirror assemblysecurity system according to the invention. Also, when desired, acurrent limiting resistor can be mounted on circuit board 150 in serieswith the light-emitting diodes 152 to limit current therethrough and tomate to the 12-volt ignition/battery potential servicing the exteriormirror assembly.

[0078] Enclosure 116 is made from a heat-resistant material and issubstantially moisture impervious. Preferably, a polymer material isused which has a heat distortion temperature (as measured by ASTM D 648for a 12.7×12.7×6.4 mm specimen and at 1820 kPa) of at leastapproximately 80° C., more preferably at least approximately 100° C. andmost preferably at least approximately 120° C. A mineral-filled orglass-filled nylon or polyester or acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS)polymer may be utilized for enclosure 116. In the illustratedembodiment, enclosure 116 is made from polycarbonate with cover members130 and 160 made from a polycarbonate or acrylic. The components ofenclosure 116 may be assembled by conventional sonic welding, vibrationwelding, or by the use of suitable adhesives. Enclosure 116 is opaque,except for cover members 130 and 160, in order to shade light. The lightmodule fits within the cavity defined within housing 34′ by openings 108and 110 in a manner which conforms to the styling and aerodynamic linesof the housing.

[0079] In an alternative embodiment illustrated in FIG. 25, a lightmodule 104′ is provided that includes a first downwardly directedlight-transmitting opening 122 but does not include a rearwardlydirected light-transmitting opening in the housing bezel. Light module104′ provides a puddle of light around the vehicle's doors, but does notinclude a signal light visible by drivers on the sides of the vehicle 40equipped with light module 104′. In this manner, a mirror assemblysecurity system, according to the invention, may be provided with agenerally downwardly directed security light alone (104′) or incombination with a signal light (104), which may illuminate in unisonwith the vehicle's turn signal, or brake lights, or both. Alternatively,signal light 104 may be provided as a stand-alone module packaged suchas described herein and achieving the advantages in terms of modularity,ease of service/installation, weather resilience, etc., describedherein. Thus, it is seen that the present invention provides anexceptionally flexible design which is easily adapted to variousconfigurations desired by the vehicle manufacturers. Additionally,because the security system is provided in a unitary module having aunitary cover member/lens, the invention may be readily adapted to manyvehicle housing designs without requiring extensive re-engineering ofthe vehicle exterior mirror housing.

[0080] In another embodiment, a light module 104″ includes side-by-sidecavities 134′ and 140′ (FIGS. 26-28). Cavity 134′ terminates in alight-transmitting opening 122′, which extends both downwardly andrearwardly with respect to the vehicle. A light-directing lens, orprism, 162 in cavity 134′ captures a portion of the light radiated bylight source 126′ and directs it rearwardly of the vehicle. The puddleof light produced by light module 104″ is capable of extendingrearwardly of the vehicle because of the nature of light-transmittingopening 122′ and the light redirecting effect of prism 162. The secondcavity 140′ in enclosure 116′ includes a light-transmitting opening 136′which extends generally rearwardly of the vehicle. A light source 138′is positioned within cavity 140′ and is surrounded by a reflector 164,which directs light through light-transmitting opening 136′. A diffuserassembly 154′ includes an integral cover member and louvers in order todirect light radiated by light source 138′ away from the passengercompartment of the vehicle equipped with light module 104″. A unitarycover 130′ extends over both openings 122′ and 136′. Enclosure 116′includes a surface 166, which is configured with a groove 168, whichmates with a tongue (not shown) in housing 34″ of mirror assembly 36″.The mating tongue-and-groove surface configuration is repeated on thesurface of enclosure 116′, which is opposite surface 166. Thetongue-and-groove configuration at least partially retains light module104″ within housing 34″ with a fastener, such as a threaded fastener169, between an opening in housing 34″ and extending into enclosure116′. In the illustrated embodiment, light radiated from light source126′ through light-transmitting opening 122′ provides a puddle of lightadjacent the vehicle doors in order to produce a lighted security zone.The light radiated through light-transmitting opening 136 produced bylight source 138′ provides a signal indicator, which may be a turnsignal indicator, or a brake signal indicator, or both a turn signal andbrake signal indicator.

[0081] In another embodiment, a light module 104′″ includes a removablefastenerless attachment system 170 including a first member 172 mountedto bracket 43″ and a second member 174 mounted to enclosure 116′ (FIGS.29-31). First member 172 is a clip connector having a pair of guidemembers 176 a, 176 b and a retaining prong 178 overlaying the guidemembers. Second member 174 includes a wall 180 defining a doghouse typereceiving connector. Guide members 176 a, 176 b assist the sliding entryof first member 172 into the cavity defined within wall 180 so thatprong 178 engages the wall to retain the clip within the cavity.

[0082] With fastenerless attachment system 170, module 104′′ is easilyand readily mounted by a simple insertion into the receiving opening inthe mirror housing such that the first member is received by and engagedwith the doghouse style receiving connector of the second member. Toremove module 104′″ for service, a tool, such as a flathead screwdriver,is inserted in the gap between the mirror element and the lamp moduleand prong 178 is raised, using a lift and twist motion, while the moduleis being pulled outwards from the mirror housing.

[0083] In a preferred embodiment, the lamp module of this inventionincorporates a signal light that is a 12-watt #912 incandescent lightsource available from OSRAM/Sylvania, Hillsboro, N.H. (with about12-candle power when operated at about 12.8 volts) mounted in aself-gasketing socket available from United Technologies Automotive,Detroit, Mich. under the trade name E25B-13A686-BA and fabricated of anelectrical grade polyvinyl chloride injection molding compound such asto comply with Engineering Standard ESB-M4D317-A of Ford Motor Company,Dearborn, Mich., which is hereby incorporated herein by reference orfrom a thermoplastic rubber self-gasketing socket. The socket, in turn,is housed in a unitary enclosure, as described herein, fabricated ofheat resistant polycarbonate supplied by General Electric Plastics,Woodstock, Ill. under the trade name ML4389 and meeting Ford EngineeringSpecification ESF-M4-D100-A, which is hereby incorporated herein byreference. The lens is made of acrylic supplied by General ElectricPlastics under the 141-701 trade name. The LEDs in the signal light, ofwhich six are used, are HLMA-DG00 high power AlInGa solid-statelight-emitting diodes supplied by Hewlett Packard Corporation with adominant wavelength at 622 nanometers, a peak wavelength at 630nanometers, a 30° viewing angle, and a typical luminous efficiency, at25° C., of 197 lumens/watt. When incorporated into an exterior mirrorhousing and mounted on a typical automobile, the ground illuminationlamp height is approximately 30±5″ from the ground surface, and, whenoperated at about 12 volts, the lamp light source illuminates anapproximately 2-foot by 4-foot or thereabouts ground area adjacent thevehicle with a light level of at least about 10 lux and an average lightlevel of preferably approximately 40 lux or more.

[0084] Light modules of this invention, including a ground illuminationlamp and a signal light incorporated into an exterior mirror assembly,were mounted and driven on vehicles through a variety of drivingconditions and through varied environmental exposure, and were found tohave the performance and environmental resilience required by automakersso as to be suitable for commercial use on vehicles.

[0085] Although illustrated herein as being located along the bottom rimof the exterior trim housing, other locations are possible for thesignal light of the invention, including the top and outboard rim of theexterior rim housing, and even elsewhere on the exterior vehicle body asappropriate.

[0086] Should it be desired to vary the intensity of the signal lightsso they are brightest during high ambient lighting conditions, such ason a sunny day, but so that they are dimmer when ambient conditions arelower, such as at night, the intensity of signal light can be modulatedusing a photosensor such as a photoresistor, photodiode,phototransistor, or their like. A photosensor that controls theintensity of the signal light so that it reduces its intensity duringlow ambient light driving conditions, such as by pulse width modulationon the electrical line powering the LEDs in the signal light, may bemounted integrally with the lamp module itself, or it may be part of thevehicle electronics itself, such as a photosensor mounted as a part ofan automatic electrochromic mirror circuit, as part of a vehicleautomatic headlamp activation circuit, as part of a headlamp daylightrunning light control circuit, or their like.

[0087] Also, the concepts of this invention are applicable to a varietyof exterior vehicular mirror assembly constructions, including one-partdesigns, uni-body constructions, and their like, as known in theexterior mirror assembly art. The concepts of the invention areapplicable to a variety of assemblies including assemblies that use abracket as a distinct internal structure and assemblies that do not usea bracket but rather are bracket-less assemblies where the housingitself serves as a structural element with means such as on the walls ofthe housing for securing an actuator and for receiving a lamp module.

[0088] Referring now to FIGS. 32-43, a self-contained, unitary lightmodule 200 is shown mounted to a surface 201 of an exterior mirrorassembly. The light module 200 includes an enclosure, housing 202, forsupporting a light source 204, which radiates light through a lighttransmitting opening 206 formed in the housing 202, and a cover 207 forsealing the housing and for transmitting the light from the light sourceto a desired area near the vehicle to create a security zone.Preferably, the light should be directed generally rearwardly anddownwardly in order to create a security zone in an area adjacent thedoors through which passengers and the driver enter and exit thevehicle. It should be understood, that the security zone may compriseany area on or relatively near the vehicle. Housing 202 is made from aheat-resistant material and is substantially moisture impervious.Preferably, a polymer material is used which has a heat distortiontemperature (as measured by ASTM D 648 for a 12.7×12.7×6.4 mm specimenand at 1820 kPa) of at least approximately 80° C., more preferably atleast approximately 100° C., and most preferably at least approximately120° C. A mineral-filled or glass-filled nylon or polyester oracrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) polymer may be utilized forhousing 202. In the illustrated embodiment, housing 202 is made fromnylon and is preferably opaque in order to shade light. Module 200 ispreferably mounted in an opening provided in the exterior mirror housingin a snap fit arrangement so that it can be quickly and easily removedfrom the mirror assembly. Alternatively, housing 202 may include aretaining structure, which cooperates with a groove or other retainingstructure provided in the exterior mirror assembly. Preferably, themounting is a fastener-less mounting arrangement to ease installation.Moreover, module 200 may be mounted in the exterior mirror housing inaccordance with the mounting details described in reference to theprevious embodiments of the invention.

[0089] Light source 204 is preferably a festoon lamp having an elongatedlight radiating surface 208 which extends between two frusto-conical endcaps 210 and 212. End caps 210 and 212 provide electrical contacts forthe lamp 204 and are supported by a pair of electrically conductivecontacts 214 and 216 positioned in a compartment, or cavity, 219 ofhousing 202. Conductive contacts 214 and 216 are preferably brassstampings which include arms 218 and 220 for supporting light source 204therebetween. Contacts 214 and 216 further include respective connectorportions 222 and 224 which extend through openings 223 formed in wall225 of housing 202 for connection to an external power supply.Preferably, connectors 222 and 224 connect to a control circuit such ascontrol circuit 74, described in reference to the previous embodimentsof the invention, in order to power light source 204.

[0090] Contacts 214 and 216 are directly supported by wall 225 ofhousing 202 and are preferably molded with the wall 225 and, mostpreferably, insert molded with end wall portions 225 a and 225 b and aback wall portion 225 c. Support arms 218 and 220 of contacts and endwalls 225 a and 225 b of housing 202 are flexible and deflect when lamp204 is inserted between the walls and between contact support arms 218and 216. However, once cover 207 is mounted to housing 202, end walls225 a and 225 b are held generally rigid by the cover and no longerdeflect. Consequently, lamp 204 is rigidly secured between contacts 214and 216 and between end walls 225 a and 225 b. These features provideadded measures to minimize the effect of the vibration from the exteriormirror assembly.

[0091] In order to appropriately direct substantially all light thatradiates from light source 204 out through opening 206, a reflectivemember 226 is provided. Reflective member 226 is preferably stampedanodized aluminum and comprises a domed, saddle-shape body withdownwardly extending portions 228 and 230. As best seen in FIGS. 34 and36, downwardly extending portions 228 and 230 of reflective member 226partially surround light source 204 and include respective reflectivesurface 228 b, 230 b to reflect the light radiating from the back andsides of light source 204 toward the light transmitting opening 206. Ascan be seen in FIGS. 34 and 35, portions 228 and 230 straddle thefrusto-conical ends 210 and 212 of lamp 204 so that the lamp 204 may besupported by contacts 214 and 216. Preferably, sides 228 and 230 havecut-out portions 228 a and 230 a to provide clearance for thefrusto-conical ends 210 and 212 of the lamp 204. Reflective surfaces 228b and 230 b are orientated to reflect the light radiating from the backsurface 204 a and side surfaces 204 b, 204 c of lamp 204 toward theopening 206 of housing 202. As can best be seen in FIG. 36, forwarddownwardly extending portion 228 extends further around lamp 204 thandoes rearward portion 230 so that more light is directed rearwardly ofthe vehicle. Side 230 also includes a relatively planar portion 229 toreflect light on to portion 228 to further direct more light rearwardlyof the vehicle.

[0092] As can be seen in FIGS. 35 and 36, reflective member 226 includea reflective inner surface 226 a and is mounted to housing 202 through amounting hole 226 b, which is disposed on a top portion thereof. Theperimeter of mounting hole 226 b engages a heat stake 202 a formed onthe inner surface 231 of housing 202. Other conventional methods ofattaching the reflective member 226 to the inner surface 231 of housing202 are contemplated, such as a snap-fit arrangement; fasteners, such asscrews; adhesives, or other conventionally known fastening techniques.In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 35 and 36, mounting hole 226 b islocated in a “non reflective zone”—an area where the reflected lightmerely reflects back on to the lamp. Reflective surface 226 a mayalternatively be formed on a piece of plastic having the general shapeof the reflector member 226. In such alternative embodiment, areflective surface is formed by vacuum metalizing aluminum onto aninwardly facing inner surface the piece of plastic.

[0093] Light module 200 further includes a cover 207 which extends overopening 206 and secures to the perimeter of housing 202. As best shownin FIGS. 34-39, cover 207 includes an annular recess 232 with annularupstanding flange portions 233 and 243 extending around the perimeter ofcover 207. Cover 207 is polycarbonate in the illustrated embodiment, butmay comprise acrylic or other suitable translucent material. Housing 202includes a peripheral edge portion 202 b which extends into recess 232of cover 207. As best seen in FIGS. 35 and 36, peripheral edge portion202 b extends into recess 232 between flanges 233 and 234 and is securedtherein by sonic or vibration welding or suitable adhesive, solventbonding, or other suitable methods of sealing. Inner surface 231 ofhousing 202 includes an annular shoulder 202 c to provide a betterconnection for sealing the cover 207 to housing 202. Preferably, thecover 207 is attached and sealed to housing 202 by sonic welding theoutermost flange 234 to the exterior surface of housing 202.Alternatively, either flange may be fixed to respective surfaces on thehousing by a suitable adhesive. Moreover, cover 207 may be attached tohousing 202 by solvent bonding and other suitable methods of attachmentthat achieve a sealed connection between cover 207 and housing 202.

[0094] Cover 207 is preferably a molded lens member, which is adapted tofurther direct the distribution of light emitted from the light source204 to a desired area near or adjacent the vehicle. In the illustrativeembodiment shown in FIGS. 35-39, cover member 204 is a generally clearoptic lens that includes two non-planar optical surfaces 232 a and 232 bto laterally collimate the light beam and thereby provide a more uniformlateral light pattern on the area adjacent the vehicle's door.Non-planar surface 232 a may also be adapted to provide a slightincrease in lateral outward orientation to the light pattern, withrespect to the vehicle. In this manner, the security zone, which isgenerally wedge-shaped, as seen in FIG. 43, extends further from thearea adjacent the door to an area offset from the door so that a largearea in the general vicinity of the door is illuminated. Preferably,cover 207 is a Fresnel lens. Alternatively, cover member 207 may be amicro-Fresnel lens, a diffractive optic lens, an diffusive optic lens, arefractive optic lens, a reflective optic lens, a holographic opticlens, a binary optic lens, or a sinusoidal optic lens.

[0095] Light source 204, as described previously, is preferably a lampwith an elongated radiating surface. More preferably, lamp 204 comprisesan incandescent festoon lamp having a filament with a minimum luminousintensity of approximately 5 mean spherical candela. Light source 204may range in luminous intensity up to approximately 14 mean sphericalcandela. The preferred range of luminous intensity is betweenapproximately 7 mean spherical candela and approximately 12 meansspherical candela. Incandescent light source 204 may be a vacuum lamp orfilled with a gas such as krypton, argon, xenon, or the like. It isdesirable to provide as much candle power possible without creatingexcessive heat within the enclosure of housing 202. This allows thelight module to create a security zone having an illumination range ofbetween approximately 10 lux and approximately 40 lux.

[0096] In order to allow moisture to exit from enclosure 219, a ventaperture 235 is provided, which extends through housing wall 225 andpreferably through side wall 225 c of housing 202. Vent aperture 235 iscovered by an adhesive vent patch 236 that permits discharge of themoisture from the enclosure but substantially blocks moisture fromentering the enclosure. Preferably, vent patch 236 is made from GORTEX7material. Vent aperture 235 may also provide a ventilation system bypermitting passage of heat from the housing 202.

[0097] As described previously, light module 200 is preferably a selfcontained disposable light module. It is contemplated that the lightsource will not be replaceable and that the light module will be fieldreplaceable as a unit. It is also preferably a universal light modulehaving a unitary body which can be incorporated into many existingexterior mirror assemblies. The compact light module 200 preferably hasa diameter of approximately one to one and a half inches (1 to 1½″), SOthat it may be inserted into most exterior mirror assembly styles.Moreover, light module 200 preferably has a volume of less thanapproximately 100 cubic centimeters. More preferably, light module 200has a volume of less than approximately 70 cubic centimeters and, mostpreferably, a volume of less than approximately 50 cubic centimeters.

[0098] Housing 202 includes an open ended generally cylindrical bodywhich extends around a central axis of orientation 237 for the housingand, consequently, defines a circular light transmitting opening 206 atthe open end thereof. Central axis 237 is preferably orthogonal to thelongitudinal axis of the vehicle. Because of its geometric shape,housing 202 can be oriented about central axis 237 without any apparentchange in outward appearance. This feature in combination with itscompact size allows the module to be inserted in any desired orientationin most any exterior mirror assembly without disturbing the aestheticappeal of the exterior mirror assembly housing. As can be seen in FIG.43, the same module 200 can be installed in either the right or the leftexterior mirror assembly by reorientating the module about its centralaxis 237. In order to assure the proper orientation, housing 202includes a positioning member, or key, 238 that provides a referencepoint on the housing 202 exterior so that the desired orientation may bedetermine.

[0099] Preferably, positioning member 238 comprises a projectingstructure, such as a lug or a key, which projects outwardly from housing202. Alternatively, positioning member may comprise a receivingstructure, such as a notch. Similarly, exterior mirror assembly includesa structure, such as a key way or a notch, to mate with the positioningstructure to orientate module 200 to a specific orientation for thatparticular mirror assembly.

[0100] As illustrated in FIG. 40, a light pattern 240 emitted from themodule, as would be seen from a side elevational of the vehicle,includes forward and rearward boundaries 240 a and 240 b which definethe boundary of the light pattern 240. The boundaries of the thispattern are generally established by the curvature of reflective member226 and by the length of portions 228 and 230. Consequently, the lightpattern may be controlled as needed by configuring the shape andorientation of reflective member 226. Forward boundary 240 a, asillustrated, is generally parallel with central axis 237 of module 200to direct light generally downward with respect to the vehicle. Boundary240 b is angled with respect to central axis 237 in order to directlight rearwardly of the vehicle. In this manner, light pattern 240 isdirected away from the central axis of the light chamber. This allowsthe light module to direct light generally rearwardly of the vehicleeven though the light chamber axis is generally vertically oriented.

[0101] When viewed from above the vehicle, as in FIG. 43, light pattern240 includes lateral boundaries 242 a and 242 b. When module 200 ismounted in the left hand mirror assembly, mirror boundary 242 a isgenerally parallel with the vehicle's longitudinal axis 244 althoughsome overlap with the vehicle side is desired. When the same module isinstalled in the right hand exterior mirror assembly and reorientatedabout its central axis 237, inner boundary 242 a is generally parallelwith the vehicle's longitudinal axis 244 on the left side of thevehicle, whereas, outer boundary 242 b is angled with respect tolongitudinal axis 244 in a counter-clockwise direction. As describedabove, the light pattern produced by module 200 can be reorientated toaccommodate both sides of the vehicle by reorientating the module 200about its central axis 37. The module can be oriented in both the rightand left hand mirror assemblies to accommodate the different angles θand φ formed respectively between the left hand mirrors and the vehicleaxis.

[0102] Boundaries 242 b may be desirably oriented even further laterallyoutwardly of the vehicle by reorienting the cover 207 one hundred andeighty (180) degrees about central axis 237 of the housing 202 from oneside of the vehicle to the other side of the vehicle. This reorientationof the cover 207 would be performed during assembly, before the cover207 is sealed onto housing 202. As best seen in FIG. 44, when cover 207is oriented for installation of module 200 on the right hand side of thevehicle optical surface 232 a is oriented toward the right as viewedfrom above. When ever 207 is oriented for installation of module 200 onthe left side of the vehicle, optical surface 232 a is oriented forwardthe left side of the vehicle. Thus it is seen that cover 207 may beindependently oriented about the central axis 237 of the housing 202 toextend outwardly the outward lateral boundary 242 b of the light patternirrespective of which side of the vehicle light module 200 ispositioned.

[0103] As can be seen in FIGS. 43 and 44, the angle between the twopositions of the left handed and right handed light patterns isdesignated “A”, in both cases, as measured from the left hand side ofthe vehicle in a counter clockwise direction, and is approximately 30°.More, preferably, the angle is in the range of approximately 5° to 30°.

[0104] Also, although desirably and preferably finding utility as asecurity light, the exterior mirror assembly light modules of thisinvention are also useful for other purposes such as providing for acourtesy exterior light and a general ground illumination light whensuch lighting may be desired such as when a door is opening, a key isinserted, or a keyboard entry is touched, or when approach of a personto a vehicle is detected such as by voice activation, proximitydetection and their like. Also, light modules using the principles andconcepts described herein could be provided for mounting on the vehicleother than within an exterior mirror assembly, such as under a doorwithin a door well or under a door body panel so as to provide groundillumination directly under a door whenever said door is opened.

[0105] Changes and modifications in the specifically describedembodiments can be carried out without departing from the principles ofthe invention, which is intended to be limited only by the scope of theappended claims, as interpreted according to the principles of patentlaw including the doctrine of equivalents.

The embodiments of the invention in which an exclusive property orprivilege is claimed are defined as follows:
 1. A mirror assemblysecurity system for a vehicle comprising: an exterior mirror assemblyincluding a reflective element, a casing for said reflective element,including means defining a mounting surface and a cooperating memberassociated with said mounting surface; a light module positioned in saidassembly, said light module for projecting light from said assembly onan area in order to create a lighted security zone in the area; and saidlight module including an enclosure, a light-transmitting opening insaid enclosure, a light source supported in said enclosure for radiatinglight through said light-transmitting opening, and a cover for saidlight-transmitting opening, and a positioning member interacting withsaid cooperating member in order to orient said enclosure at a givenorientation with respect to said mounting surface.
 2. The mirrorassembly security system in claim 1, said enclosure including areflective surface, said reflective surface directing at least a portionof light radiating from said light source through saidlight-transmitting opening.
 3. The mirror assembly security system inclaim 2, said reflective surface at least partially surrounding saidlight source in said enclosure.
 4. The mirror assembly security systemin claim 1 wherein said reflective surface directs light from said lightsource in a direction generally downwardly and rearwardly of thevehicle.
 5. The mirror assembly security system in claim 1, wherein saidenclosure includes a reflective member having a reflective surface, saidreflective member having portions straddling said light source.
 6. Themirror assembly security system in claim 5, wherein said enclosureincludes first and second opposed side walls and first and secondelectrical contacts, said first contact disposed on said first sidewall, said second contact disposed on said second side wall and saidcontacts supporting said light source and for electrically coupling saidlight source to the external power supply.
 7. The mirror assemblysecurity system in claim 6, said contacts extending through saidenclosure for coupling to an external power supply.
 8. The mirrorassembly security system in claim 7, wherein said contacts are insertmolded with said enclosure.
 9. The mirror assembly security system inclaim 7, wherein said contacts comprise brass stampings.
 10. The mirrorassembly security system in claim 7, wherein at least a portion of saidcontacts are integral with said first and second side walls.
 11. Themirror assembly security system in claim 7, wherein said side walls areflexible and adapted to deflect to permit insertion of said light sourcebetween said side walls and are generally rigid when said cover isinstalled on said enclosure so that said light source is rigidlysupported in said enclosure between portions of said contacts when saidcover is installed.
 12. The mirror assembly security system in claim 11,wherein said light source radiates light from a longitudinal extent,said longitudinal extent extending between said side walls.
 13. Themirror assembly security system in claim 12, said reflective surface atleast partially extending between said side walls, said reflectivesurface partially surrounding said light source to direct lightradiating from said light source toward said light-transmitting opening.14. The mirror assembly security system in claim 1, wherein said coveris an optical lens.
 15. The mirror assembly security system in claim 14,wherein said lens comprises a Fresnel lens.
 16. The mirror assemblysecurity system in claim 14, wherein said lens is selected from thegroup consisting of a diffusive optic lens, a diffractive optic lens, arefractive optic lens, a reflective optic lens, a holographic opticlens, a binary optic lens, a clear optic lens, and a sinusoidal opticlens.
 17. The mirror assembly security system in claim 16, wherein saidlens is a clear optic lens.
 18. The mirror assembly security system inclaim 1, said enclosure having a central axis of orientation generallyparallel to the direction of light transmitted from said light moduleand including a cylindrical wall extending around said axis oforientation.
 19. The mirror assembly security system in claim 18, saidlight source having an elongated extent and emitting light radially froma portion of said elongated extent, said elongated extent extendingbetween portions of said cylindrical wall.
 20. The mirror assemblysecurity system in claim 19, said enclosure including a reflectivesurface extending between said cylindrical wall, said reflective surfacesurrounding a portion of said light source so that light radiating froma rearward side of said light source is directed through saidlight-transmitting opening rearwardly of the vehicle.
 21. The mirrorassembly security system in claim 20, wherein said enclosure includesfirst and second contacts, said contacts disposed on opposed sides ofsaid cylindrical wall to support said light source and adapted forelectrically coupling said light source to an external power supply. 22.The mirror assembly security system in claim 21, wherein: each of saidcontacts include a support arm and a connection arm, said connectionarms extending through said enclosure and projecting outwardly from saidenclosure for connecting to the external power supply; and said lightsource includes frusto-conical contacts on opposed ends of saidelongated extent, said contacts supported by said support arms of saidcontacts.
 23. The mirror assembly security system in claim 20, whereinsaid reflective surface is supported on said inner surface of saidenclosure.
 24. The mirror assembly security system in claim 20, saidhousing of said exterior mirror assembly having a housing wall definingsaid mounting surface, said enclosure adapted for mounting in saidhousing wall.
 25. The mirror assembly security system in claim 24,wherein said cover and cylindrical wall are adapted to mount said lightmodule in said housing wall.
 26. The mirror assembly security system inclaim 2, wherein said reflective surface is aluminum.
 27. The mirrorassembly security system in claim 1, wherein said module is a unitaryassembly adapted to be substantially moisture impervious.
 28. The mirrorassembly security system in claim 27, wherein said cover is sealinglyfixed to said enclosure.
 29. The mirror assembly security system inclaim 27, wherein said cover is welded to said enclosure.
 30. The mirrorassembly security system in claim 27, wherein said cover is fixed tosaid enclosure with adhesive.
 31. The mirror assembly security system inclaim 1, including an adhesive vent patch covering said vent aperture topermit discharge of moisture from the enclosure but to block moisturefrom entering said enclosure.
 32. The mirror assembly security system inclaim 31, said vent patch comprising Gortex7 material.
 33. The mirrorassembly security system in claim 1, wherein said module is positionedin said exterior mirror assembly housing for directing the lightradiating through said light-transmitting opening of said module in adirection generally downwardly with respect to the vehicle.
 34. Themirror assembly security system in claim 1, wherein said light source isselected from the group of an incandescent lamp, a halogen lamp, atleast one light-emitting diode, a vacuum fluorescent lamp, and a lightpipe connectable between a light source in said vehicle and saidenclosure.
 35. The mirror assembly security system in claim 1, whereinsaid positioning member comprises a key structure and said cooperatingmember comprises a key way.
 36. The mirror assembly security system inclaim 1, further comprising another exterior mirror assembly formounting on an opposed side of the vehicle from said exterior mirrorassembly, said another exterior mirror assembly including anotherreflective about another housing for said another reflective elementincluding means defining another mounting surface and anothercooperating member associated with said another mounting surface, saidanother exterior mirror assembly further including another said lightmodule having another enclosure and another positioning member, a matingwith said another cooperating member cooperating in order to orient saidanother enclosure at another given orientation with respect to saidanother mounting surface.
 37. The mirror assembly security system inclaim 36, wherein said given orientation and said another givenorientation are in the range of approximately 30 degrees toapproximately 60 degrees apart.
 38. The mirror assembly security systemin claim 37, wherein said given orientation and said another givenorientation are approximately 30 degrees apart.
 39. A light module forpositioning in an opening in an exterior mirror assembly of a vehicle,the exterior mirror assembly having a casing and a retaining structurelocated within said casing, said light module comprising: enclosurehaving an enclosure wall defining an inner surface; a pair of electricalcontacts disposed on said inner surface of said enclosure wall, saidcontacts adapted for coupling to an external power supply; alight-transmitting opening in said enclosure; a cover extending oversaid light-transmitting opening for sealing said enclosure fortransmitting light from a light source in said enclosure to an areaadjacent the vehicle; a light source supported by and coupled to saidcontacts in said enclosure, said light source radiating light towardsaid light-transmitting opening and through said cover; said enclosureadapted for mounting in the opening of the exterior mirror housing; andsaid enclosure wall and portions of said contacts on said enclosure wallare flexible and are adapted to deflect prior to installation of saidcover to permit insertion of said light source between said enclosurewall, said cover adding rigidity to said enclosure wall when installedon said enclosure so that said light source is rigidly supported in saidenclosure between said contacts when said cover is installed.
 40. Thelight module according to claim 39, further comprising a light-directingsurface provided in said enclosure for directing light from said lightsource toward said light-transmitting opening.
 41. The light moduleaccording to claim 40, wherein said light-directing surface isvacuum-metalized on to a surface of a plastic member supported on saidinner surface of said enclosure.
 42. The light module according to claim39, wherein said contacts are at least partially integrally molded withsaid enclosure wall.
 43. The light module according to claim 39, saidenclosure wall defines a dome-shaped body having opposed ends walls anda side wall extending between said end walls, portions of said contactsdisposed on said end walls.
 44. The light module according to claim 39,said light source including an elongated light-directing surface, saidelongated light radiating surface extending substantially between saidend walls of said enclosure.
 45. The light module according to claim 44,said light-directing surface disposed on said side wall of saidenclosure, said light directing surface extending substantially betweensaid end walls for directing the light from said elongated lightradiating surface toward said light-transmitting opening.
 46. The lightmodule in claim 39, wherein: each of said contacts includes a supportarm and a connection arm, said connection arms extending through saidenclosure and projecting outwardly from said enclosure for coupling toan external power supply; and said light source includes frusto-conicalcontacts on opposed ends of said elongated radiating surface, saidcontacts supported in said support arms of said contacts.
 47. The lightmodule in claim 46, wherein said support arms each include a receivingstructure, said frusto-conical contacts extending in said receivingstructure for support therein.
 48. The light module in claim 39, whereinsaid enclosure and said cover define a unitary module which is adaptedto be substantially moisture impervious.
 49. The light module in claim48, wherein said cover is welded to said enclosure, thereby sealing saidenclosure.
 50. The light module in claim 48, wherein said cover is fixedto said enclosure with adhesive, thereby sealing said enclosure.
 51. Thelight module in claim 48, said enclosure including an vent aperturedefining an airflow path through said enclosure in order to dissipateheat from said light source.
 52. The light module in claim 51, said ventaperture including an adhesive vent patch covering said vent aperture topermit discharge of moisture from the enclosure but to block moisturefrom entering said enclosure.
 53. The light module in claim 52, saidvent patch comprising Gortex material.
 54. The light module in claim 53,wherein said enclosure is made from a heat-resistant polymer.
 55. Thelight module in claim 54, wherein said enclosure is selected from thegroup consisting of polycarbonate, polyester, nylon, and ABS.
 56. Thelight module in claim 54, wherein said enclosure is nylon.
 57. The lightmodule in claim 39, wherein said cover is polycarbonate.
 58. The lightmodule in claim 39, wherein said cover is an optical lens.
 59. The lightmodule in claim 58, wherein said lens is selected from the groupconsisting of a diffusive optic lens, a diffractive optic lens, arefractive optic lens, a reflective optic lens, a holographic opticlens, a binary optic lens, a clear optic lens, a Fresnel lens, amicro-Fresnel lens, and a sinusoidal optic lens.
 60. The light module inclaim 59, wherein said lens is a clear optic.
 61. The light module inclaim 58, wherein said light source is one of a vacuum or gas filledincandescent lamp, a halogen lamp, at least one light-emitting diode, avacuum fluorescent lamp, and a light pipe connectable between a lightsource in the vehicle and said enclosure.
 62. A security light modulefor an exterior mirror assembly for a vehicle, the exterior mirrorassembly including a mirror case and a reflective element supported inthe mirror case, said security module comprising: a housing defining ancompartment, said housing having a unitary body including a side walland a light emitting opening in communication with said compartment,said compartment defining a central axis; a light source having anelongated radiating surface, said light source mounted in saidcompartment approximately on said central axis; a reflective surface atleast partially straddling said light source; a cover sealing saidcompartment and adapted to transmit light from said light source,wherein at least one of said reflective surface and said cover directlight from said light source in a direction angled with respect to saidcentral axis.
 63. The security light module according to claim 62,wherein said housing includes an inner surface and a plastic membersupported on said inner surface, said plastic member including areflective surface.
 64. The security light module according to claim 63,wherein said reflective surface is metalized onto said plastic member.65. The security light module according to claim 64, wherein saidreflective surface is vacuum metalized aluminum.
 66. The security modulein claim 62, wherein said reflective surface comprises a surface of areflective member, said reflective member having a domed, saddle-shapedbody with opposed wall portions, said opposed wall portions straddlingsaid elongated light radiating surface of said light source.
 67. Thesecurity module in claim 66, wherein said wall portions of saidreflective member have unequal lengths, whereby said reflective memberdirects a greater amount of light rearwardly of the vehicle.
 68. Thesecurity light module in claim 66, wherein said side wall includes firstand second opposed end walls and a back wall extending between said endwalls, a first lamp supporting electrical contact is supported on saidfirst end wall, a second lamp supporting electrical contact is supportedon said second end wall, said elongated light radiating surfaceextending between said opposed side walls.
 69. The security light modulein claim 68, said contacts extending along said end walls to supportsaid light source adjacent said reflective member, whereby said wallportions of said reflective member are coextensive with said elongatedlight radiating surface of said light source.
 70. The security lightmodule according to claim 62, wherein said housing is adapted to besubstantially moisture impervious.
 71. The security light module inclaim 70, wherein said cover is welded to said housing, thereby sealingsaid compartment.
 72. The security light module in claim 70, whereinsaid cover is fixed to said housing with adhesive, thereby sealing saidcompartment.
 73. The security light module in claim 62, said unitarybody including a vent aperture defining an airflow path through saidcompartment in order to discharge moisture from said compartment. 74.The security light module in claim 73, including an adhesive vent patchto cover said vent aperture for discharging moisture from saidcompartment and for blocking moisture from entering said compartment.75. The security light module in claim 74, said vent patch comprisingGortex7 material.
 76. The security light module according to claim 64,wherein said housing includes a positioning member for cooperating witha structure in the exterior mirror assembly for orienting said lightmodule in a correct installation orientation for the exterior mirrorassembly.
 77. The security light module according to claim 62 includingfastenerless mounting means for removably mounting said housing in amirror case.
 78. A mirror assembly security system for a vehiclecomprising: an exterior mirror assembly including a housing and areflective element supported by said housing; a light module positionedin said exterior mirror assembly, said light module for projecting lightfrom said exterior mirror assembly on an area near the vehicle in orderto create a lighted security zone in the area; and said light moduleincluding an enclosure and a light source supported in said enclosure,said enclosure having a volume that is less than approximately 100 cubiccentimeters, and said light module for illuminating an area with a lightlevel in the range of approximately 10 lux to approximately 40 lux. 79.The mirror assembly security system in claim 78, wherein said volume ofsaid enclosure is less than approximately 70 cubic centimeters.
 80. Themirror assembly security system in claim 78, wherein said volume of saidenclosure is less than approximately 50 cubic centimeters.
 81. Themirror assembly security system in claim 78, wherein said enclosureincludes first and second opposed side walls and first and secondelectrical contacts, said first contact disposed on said first sidewall, said second contact disposed on said second side wall and saidcontacts supporting said light source and for electrically coupling saidlight source to the external power supply.
 82. The mirror assemblysecurity system in claim 81, wherein said side walls are flexible andadapted to deflect to permit insertion of said light source between saidside walls and are generally rigid when said cover is installed on saidenclosure so that said light source is rigidly supported in saidenclosure between portions of said contacts when said cover isinstalled.
 83. A light module for positioning in an opening in anexterior mirror assembly of a vehicle, the exterior mirror assemblyhaving a housing and a reflective element supported in the housing, thehousing including an opening, said light module comprising: enclosuredefining a compartment having an inner surface; a light-transmittingopening in said enclosure; a cover extending over saidlight-transmitting opening for sealing said enclosure and fortransmitting light from a light source in said enclosure to an areaadjacent the vehicle, said cover including at least one non-planar opticsurface for directing the light in a first direction from the module forilluminating an area adjacent a first side of the vehicle; a lightsource supported in said enclosure, said light source radiating lighttoward said light-transmitting opening and through said cover; saidenclosure adapted for mounting in the opening of the exterior mirrorhousing; and said cover adapted to be reorientated about the enclosureto redirect the light from the module in a second direction forilluminating an area adjacent a second side of the vehicle.
 84. Thelight module in claim 83, said cover having a second non-planar surfacesfor directing light from the light source in a direction angled withrespect to said first direction.
 85. The light module in claim 84, saiddirection angled with respect to said first direction including alateral direction with respect to the vehicle.
 86. The light module inclaim 83, said enclosure including a reflective member, said reflectivemember surrounding a portion of said light source so that lightradiating from said light source is directed from said module forilluminating an area generally rearwardly of the vehicle.
 87. The lightmodule in claim 86, said reflective member including a reflectivesurface for directing light from said light source and from said modulefor illuminating an area generally downwardly of the vehicle.